Newborn jaundice

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Erythroblastosis fetalis, photomicrograph

Jaundice infant

Jaundice of the newborn; Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia; Bili lights - jaundice

Treatment is usually not needed.

When determining treatment, the doctor must consider:

• The baby's bilirubin level
• How fast the level has been rising
• Whether the baby was born early (babies born early are more likely to be treated at lower bilirubin levels)
• How old the baby is now

Your child will need treatment if the bilirubin level is too high or is rising too quickly.

Keep the baby well hydrated with breast milk or formula. Frequent feedings (up to 12 times a day) encourage frequent bowel movements, which help remove bilirubin through the stools. Ask your doctor before giving your newborn extra formula.

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Some newborns need to be treated before they leave the hospital. Others may need to go back to the hospital when they are a few days old. Treatment in the hospital usually lasts 1 to 2 days.

Sometimes special blue lights are used on infants whose levels are very high. This is called phototherapy. These lights work by helping to break down bilirubin in the skin.

The infant is placed under artificial light in a warm, enclosed bed to maintain constant temperature. The baby will wear only a diaper and special eye shades to protect the eyes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding be continued through phototherapy, if possible. Rarely, the baby may have an intravenous (IV) line to deliver fluids.

If the bilirubin level is not too high or is not rising quickly, you can do phototherapy at home with a fiberoptic blanket, which has tiny bright lights in it. You may also use a bed that shines light up from the mattress.

• You must keep the light therapy on your child's skin and feed your child every 2 to 3 hours (10 to 12 times a day).
• A nurse will come to your home to teach you how to use the blanket or bed, and to check on your child.
• The nurse will return daily to check your child's weight, feedings, skin, and bilirubin levels.
• You will be asked to count the number of wet and dirty diapers.